Review: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Standing on the fringes of life... offers a unique perspective. But there comes a time to see what it looks like from the dance floor.Since its publication, Stephen Chbosky's haunting novel about the dilemma of passivity vs. passion has received critical acclaim, provoked discussion and debate, and grown into a cult sensation with over one million copies in print. It is the story of what it's like to grow up in high school. More intimate than a diary, Charlie's letters are singular and unique, hilarious and devastating. We may not know where he lives. We may not know to whom he is writing. All we know is the world he shares. Caught between trying to live his life and trying to run from it puts him on a strange course through uncharted territory. The world of first dates, family dramas, and new friends. The world of sex, drugs, and The Rocky Horror Picture Show, where all you need is that perfect song on that perfect drive to feel infinite.

My Take:

In Perks of Being a Wallflower, Charlie doesn't see himself fitting in any where, high school can be tough but Charlie sees things differently. His mind always wonders why and always questions logic. So fitting in isn't at all easy, so Charlie writes to a friend of sorts and tells that person about his day. Always addressing with a friendly hey, Charlie goes to let us all inside, and through his eyes we see the world differently. He is able to speak to us freely and even when he seems down about something his words always seem to let us all know what he is experiencing. As a freshmen, Charlie meets his English teacher Bill, who forms a friendship with Charlie and gives him different books along the school year. Charlie also meets two seniors willing to give him a chance, they also see him for what he is.

Since its high school and its the 90's, Charlie goes to the parties he is invited too by Patrick and Sam, and along the way goes through adolescence, he of course questions everyones actions and of course wants answers. Girls? Drugs? Even when he asked out he seeks guidance from his sister, or brother and even Sam who seems to know a thing or two. But add in his sense of asking so many things, dating is further from his mind, at least we know his heart is in the right place.

I loved this because the story itself told me things I was always blind too, questioning my actions along the way could be bad, but I liked that Charlie was able to be relatable in a sense. Of course when I found out what happened to him I couldn't stop crying, his story is so beautifully written and I am so glad to at least know he is able to move forward. His heart is still in the moment and of course his questions will never stop to amaze me.